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The electric SUV wars have reached the family table, and the newest squabble comes not from rival automakers but from under the same roof. Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 and Kia’s EV9 were never meant to compete this directly, yet here they are, two corporate siblings built from the same bones, staring each other down in showrooms and on Reddit threads.
This isn’t about tribal loyalty or badge snobbery. It’s about which touchscreen frustrates you less, which dealer treats you better, and which brand packages its features more intelligently for the money.
It all began with a post from Reddit user Derekeys on the r/Ioniq9 subreddit. The post laid out a dilemma shared by many modern EV shoppers:
“This is way closer than I thought it would be.
Drove these two back-to-back, and there are some insane deals on the Kia over the Hyundai.
It’s amazing how the pros/cons list for me keeps the race even between these two.
I9 wins for interior for me, not feature-wise wise but looks and ergonomics-wise. The more physical buttons, the obvious win for the climate controls (the EV9 hides them on an awkwardly placed screen behind the steering wheel), and the setup itself.
I would say the range should be better, but the only time full range really matters to me is on a road trip, and I can’t seem to find any 70mph tests or range tests that show the two have a huge difference for long high-speed stints.
The Kia Land is so much more feature-rich than the SEL. And if you say I should compare the limited I9 with the EV9 Land, or the SEL with the EV9 Wind, I actually disagree because with Kia's crazy incentives and even the CPO market, the EV9 Land is very comparable, if not fairly cheaper than the SEL I9.
I think the Kia looks a little better, a little more rugged. But the Hyundai looks good too, albeit a little more… hearse-like?
The Kia comes with digital key 2, and that is a big win in my book, and I’m shocked that a $65k SEL doesn’t have it. That kinda sucks.
Obviously, there is also a pano roof, upgraded sound system, which, btw, the Bose system in the limited I9 was… really not that impressive to me. The Kia was no better, er but wow, I thought the jump from the SEL to the Limited when I did the test drive was going to be night and day, I mean, it was better, but goodness, it lacked some lows. The EV9 also has memory seats, power front and 2nd, ventilated and heated second, the sun visors.
To me, the EV9 land is comparable feature-wise to the Limited but at a much better cost.
That being said, I detest the climate controls in the Kia, and I have enjoyed my wife’s I5 immensely, and come to mildly enjoy our service experience at our local Hyundai dealership when they replaced our ICCU; they were fantastic.
I am not excited about the idea of Kia service, and it is a major potential issue for me, too.
Also, and this is kind of childish, but I wish the EV9 came in red (at least in the US market) and the I9 comes in my favorite bright and cheerful red.
But because of the budget and current deals, it comes down to our choice between these two cars/trims.
I9 SEL or EV9 Land
Whew, any feedback is appreciated, we could be swayed either way.”
In that single paragraph lies the essence of the EV9 versus Ioniq 9 story. Hyundai built the Ioniq 9 as a more refined, almost architectural expression of the family EV, while Kia tuned the EV9 for rugged practicality and visual punch.
Yet, the closer buyers look, the murkier the separation becomes. Both sit on the same E-GMP platform, both offer three rows of seating, and both deliver the silent urgency of electric propulsion that once felt futuristic but now feels familiar. What divides them is not mechanical; it's philosophical.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 Electric Flagship SUV
- The IONIQ 9 is Hyundai’s largest all-electric model, combining three-row comfort with clean, futuristic styling.
- Its large-capacity battery and aerodynamic design deliver a range fit for long family trips or daily commutes without anxiety.
- Dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions deliver instant torque and smooth acceleration, while maintaining whisper-quiet cabin comfort.
- A minimalist dashboard, digital displays, and voice-driven features create a premium, user-friendly space focused on innovation and sustainability.
Range and real-world usability dominate much of the online discourse. One commenter, alan_grant93, wrote, “Went with the Ioniq 9 because it’s rated for 40 more miles of range than the EV9. Simple as that.” It’s a fair point; EPA ratings give the Hyundai an edge on paper. But as Derekeys countered, real-world testing tells a more even story. “I’ve seen 70mph range tests for the I9, and the results are around 260 or so. And that actually matches the EV9.” That difference, between advertised and actual, speaks to the EV experience today. These are both capable long-haulers, but neither rewrites the rules of range physics.
Where the EV9 begins to pull ahead is in the feature tally. Derekeys discovered that the Kia Land trim comes loaded with luxuries, digital key 2, panoramic roof, ventilated second-row seats, power adjustments, and memory functions, which Hyundai reserves for higher Ioniq 9 trims. With strong incentives and even certified pre-owned options, the EV9 can end up costing less while offering more equipment. The Redditor put it plainly: “To me, the EV9 Land is comparable feature-wise to the Limited but at a much better cost.” It’s an equation that has long defined Kia’s market strategy, but seeing it play out at the $60,000 level marks a new chapter.
The Ioniq 9 fights back not with gadgets, but with feel. Its interior layout, more physical buttons, better ergonomics, and cleaner control placement have earned consistent praise. In an age when touch-sensitive everything has become the industry default, Hyundai’s decision to preserve tangible controls feels like an act of rebellion. Even those defending the EV9’s system, like user hmnahmna1, who noted “there’s a plus sign on the climate control of the EV9 to expand it,” acknowledged that Kia’s interface requires an extra step. That extra step is precisely what divides satisfaction from frustration in daily driving.
Service, an often-overlooked differentiator, adds another wrinkle to this story. Derekeys admitted, “I have enjoyed my wife’s I5 immensely, and come to mildly enjoy our service experience at our local Hyundai dealership when they replaced our ICCU, they were fantastic.” Kia, by contrast, gave pause: “I am not excited about the idea of Kia service, and it is a major potential issue for me too.” For many EV buyers, dealer familiarity and service confidence weigh almost as heavily as features or styling. In this respect, Hyundai’s more established EV service footprint may quietly sway the undecided.
Both of these vehicles embody the modern electric SUV: fast, comfortable, and confidently futuristic without needing to shout about it. The EV9 leans toward adventure and luxury; the Ioniq 9 exudes calm precision and usability. The Reddit debate mirrors the broader market tension, tech lovers chasing the latest gadgetry versus drivers who still value intuitive design and consistent aftercare.
There is no clear winner because that’s not the point. The real victory lies in the fact that Hyundai Motor Group has produced two electric SUVs compelling enough to compete against each other. The EV9 wins the feature war, the Ioniq 9 wins the usability contest, and buyers win by having the choice. As Derekeys put it, “We could be swayed either way.” That sentiment might be the most honest review of all.
Image Sources: Hyundai Media Center
Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.
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